The Autism Dad Real Talk: Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome (S8E17)
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome.
We talk about:
- Navigating a life-changing diagnosis
- Finding purpose in unexpected places
- Supporting your child’s unique needs without losing yourself in the process
- How their personal journey led to creating brain-focused supplements for kids and families
Whether you’re parenting a child with a disability or looking for inspiration from parents who truly get it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Topics Covered:
- Birth and diagnosis stories
- NICU experiences and emotional aftermath
- Early intervention and the Family Hope Center
- How Down syndrome changed their worldview
- Building Mama Bird from lived experience
- The importance of brain health and nutrition
- Parenting tips, mindset shifts, and daily struggles
- Advice for newly diagnosed families
This Week’s Sponsors:
Autism 360
The Autism 360 program helps parents become confident leaders in their child’s care by providing expert-led coaching and support. Learn more at autism360.com
Safe Place Bedding
Safe Place Bedding provides medical-grade, customizable, and insurance-covered sleep solutions for children with disabilities. Their new permanent bed model, the SPB 300, includes a built-in monitoring system. Learn more at https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad
Mightier
Mightier is a biofeedback-based gaming platform that helps kids learn emotional regulation skills through fun, engaging play. It’s clinically tested and loved by families. Learn how it can support your child at https://theautismdad.com/mightier (Use the code theautismdad20 and save 10%)
Guest Bios:
Dr. Mika Gupta is a board-certified neurologist, autism mom, and co-founder of Mama Bird, a company creating brain-first vitamins and supplements for children and families. Her personal journey raising a child with Down syndrome deeply informs her professional mission.
Jeremy Dyen is a musician, dad, and co-founder of Mama Bird. With a background in mindfulness and creative arts, Jeremy brings a unique and compassionate perspective to parenting and product development.
Connect with Mama Bird:
Visit lovemamabird.com to learn more about their brain-focused supplements for kids and families.
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